In this Sunday's worship, I will be drawing upon all three lessons that deal with relationships: our relationship to God (and Jesus) and our relationship to others. We are called upon to have more than just a superficial connection in these relationships.

The texts are given below for you to read in preparation. You may reflect on the questions following and submit input for the Sunday message through the comments.

May God's blessing be upon your reading and reflecting on these words of Scripture. May you grow in your discipleship as you become engaged with God's saving and life-giving word for you.

Deuteronomy 30: 16"If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today,...then you shall live and become numerous and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess."

Philemon vs. 15"Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother - especially to me but how more to you , both in the flesh and in the Lord."

Luke 14:27"Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

What stands out for you in these verses about relationships?In what ways do you think relationships get transformed because of faith?